Runners get ready to start at the Battle for the Secret City Greenway on Melton Lake Greenway Sunday morning. The top three finishers are in the front row: Ed Wright of Oak Ridge, left; James Grufferty from Ireland, center; and Jeremy Sexton of Clinton, right.
About 175 athletes competed in a 4.2-mile fundraising run and walk on Melton Lake Greenway on Sunday morning.
The first annual Battle for the Secret City Greenway Run/Walk raised money for park benches on a recent extension of the trail, said Frank Chmielewicz, race director and former president of the Oak Ridge Track Club. It also raised awareness of the new 2.4-mile extension, which starts at the Edgemoor Road bridge over the Clinch River and ends at Solway Park East.
Money was raised through registration fees and donations, Chmielewicz said.
Runners traveled from cities such as Clinton, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, Rockwood, and Sweetwater to compete Sunday.
First-place finisher Ed Wright of Oak Ridge runs toward the finish line at Sunday’s Battle of the Secret City Greenway.
Ed Wright of Oak Ridge crossed the finish line first, completing the run in 24:29.
James Grufferty of Ireland, who used to run for East Tennessee State University was second, with a time of 25:21. Jeremy Sexton of Clinton was third with a time of 26:20.
The race started near the Oak Ridge Rowing Association Boathouse and ended at the west end of Haw Ridge Park.
Wright was first in the male open division.
Rodney Grugin of Lenoir City finished first in the male master over-40 division with a time of 27:53. Jody Hinds of Maryville finished first in the male grandmaster over-50 division with a time of 34:13.
Second-place finisher James Grufferty of Ireland used to run for East Tennessee State University.
Overall female winner was Amy Viars of Powell; she finished the run in 28:42.
Stephanie Mason of Clinton was the female master winner with a time of 31:11, and Lori McAlister of Oak Ridge was the grandmaster winner, completing the course in 36:47.
Winners were also announced in other age divisions: 1-10, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, and 65-69, and male 75-over.
The oldest competitor, Mike Muirhead of Oak Ridge, 76, ran the 4.23-mile course in 57:12.
The youngest, Maloria Moore of Knoxville, 6, completed it in 1:07.
Jeremy Sexton of Clinton finished third overall.
Matt says
What a great event for Oak Ridge! Thanks to Frank and everyone who helped out and to John for covering this.
John Huotari says
I enjoyed covering it, Matt, and look forward to next year’s event as well.
kay williamson says
nice to see citizens raising money for our community greater good!!! WTG AND a big round out THANK YOU FOR ALL THE FOLKS THAT WILL BE SITTING IN THOSE BENCHES!!!!!!!!!
Shahin Hadian says
John,
On behalf of Fleet Feet Sports and Fleet Feet Knoxville Running Club, I wanted to thank you for your coverage of this inaugural event. Frank did a superb job of not only making sure the event went without a hitch but also ensuring that it was a fun and memorable day for all participants. Special thank you to City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Dept and all volunteers. Looking forward to raising more money for more benches. Happy belated Father’s Day to all fathers who came out for the run/walk! – Shahin
John Huotari says
Thank you, Shahin. I enjoyed it, and I assume you did as well.
Frank Chmielewicz says
Special thanks to Fleet Feet Sports and the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department for getting together and putting on a great race. I was honored to be involved with this years Race. While I would like to take credit, it was Shahin who came up with the concept and Josh Collins who gave his support.
Stacey Moore says
It was a great event to be a part of and to have my family participate in the race was the best gift any father could have!We will be there again next year!!!!!!!!!!
Rick Morrow says
“I was honored to be involved with this years Race” – Frank, you are such the PC guy ;-). Ya didn’t call me to volunteer, ya bum 🙂 Glad it went well.
John, I hope everyone who leaves comments on your site have to use their real names and maybe you can avoid all the garbage on other sites.
John Huotari says
Rick, our policy seems to have worked well so far.
Bruce says
It was great to see that you gave some press to the oldest competitor! That’s my brother! Good job Mike! I heard that there was a heck of a hill at the start!
John Huotari says
Thank you, Bruce.